A raging wildfire has prompted the evacuation and confinement of nearly 45,000 residents in La Bisbal d'Empordà. The fire, fueled by strong winds, threatens vast forest areas.
A significant wildfire erupted this morning near La Bisbal d’Empordà, leading to the urgent evacuation and confinement of approximately 45,000 residents across multiple municipalities. The flames have rapidly spread into the Gavarres mountain range, a critical natural area spanning over 350 square kilometers, raising alarms among local authorities and firefighters.
The fire is classified as a sixth-generation blaze, indicating its intensity and potential for widespread destruction. As of early afternoon, reports indicated that around 750 hectares had already been consumed by the flames. Fire officials are bracing for a possible escalation that could see up to 10,000 hectares affected if conditions do not improve.
The situation has been exacerbated by strong tramontana winds that are complicating firefighting efforts. According to Ferran Garcia, chief operations officer for the Girona firefighters, “the fire is currently beyond our capacity to extinguish,” highlighting the urgency of the situation.
In addition to La Bisbal d’Empordà, nearby towns such as Calonge i Sant Antoni and Castell d’Aro have also been impacted. Residents in these areas have been advised to remain indoors as smoke blankets the region. Local authorities issued alerts for several neighborhoods and even evacuated some urbanizations due to proximity to the flames.
The initial cause of the fire appears linked to maintenance work on road signage along GI-660—known locally as La Ganga Road—where sparks from a radial saw may have ignited dry vegetation. This road is heavily trafficked by cyclists and vehicles alike due to its scenic routes through agricultural land.
The Generalitat has mobilized over sixty firefighting units—both aerial and ground-based—to combat this blaze while simultaneously addressing two other smaller fires in Vilademuls and Bescanó that have drawn resources away from La Bisbal d’Empordà’s main incident.
“We are very concerned; it seems that the immediate danger has passed but any change in wind could reignite the fire,” stated Jordi Soler, mayor of Calonge.
The regional government has also requested assistance from Spain’s Military Emergency Unit (UME) amid fears that additional fires could ignite concurrently due to prevailing conditions. President Salvador Illa urged citizens planning travel towards affected regions to postpone their plans in order to facilitate firefighting operations.
A precautionary measure was taken at Pou del Glaç summer camp where around one hundred children were confined safely within facilities as a protective action against advancing flames. Fortunately, all campers were reported safe during this crisis.
“The closest fire was about to be contained,” said Òscar Aparicio, mayor of La Bisbal d’Empordà regarding conditions earlier today.
This incident marks one of several recent wildfires affecting Catalonia during an unusually dry season characterized by high temperatures and strong winds—a combination reminiscent of devastating wildfires seen across Southern Europe in previous years. In response to heightened risks this summer season, local governments have implemented strict regulations prohibiting open flames or activities that could spark new fires across various regions including Alt Empordà and Baix Empordà.
The public is advised to stay informed through local news outlets regarding ongoing developments while maintaining safety protocols such as keeping windows closed and avoiding unnecessary travel near affected areas until further notice from emergency services.
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